myBlueprint is an online tool available to all TVDSB students (Grades 7-12), teachers and parent/guardian to: investigate and research educational options for all pathways (apprenticeship, work, college and university), discover learning styles, explore career interest surveys, plan secondary school courses, set short-term and long-term goals, build resumes and much more. 

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Students are taught French as a subject, and French serves as the language of instruction in two or more other subjects. At the secondary level, there are academic and applied courses in French Immersion in Grades 9 and 10, and university preparation and open courses in Grades 11 and 12. In the French Immersion program, students accumulate ten credits in French: four are for FSL courses; six are for other subjects in which French is the language of instruction. Schools may grant a certificate in French Immersion if the student fulfills these requirements. 

Generally, the program a student selects at the secondary school level is determined by the total number of hours of French instruction accumulated by the end of Grade 8 (a minimum of 600 for Core French, a minimum of 1260 for Extended French, and a minimum of 3800 for French Immersion).

One FSL credit (110 hours) from any of the three programs is compulsory for secondary school graduation. 

For subjects other than FSL that are taught in French in an Extended French or French Immersion program, the expectations in each course are those outlined in the English-language curriculum policy documents. It is recognized that expectations in these subjects may need to be adapted to meet the needs of students who are studying the subjects in French instead of in English. (Excerpt from: The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12:  French as a Second Language -- Core, Extended, and Immersion, 2014.)

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Our primary goal is to meet students’ needs in their own classrooms in their home school. Occasionally, some students need the support of specialized programs and services which are offered at another location. Information for parents, such as the Parent’s Guide to the Identification Placement and Review Process and the Individual Education Plan can be obtained at the school, or by calling the Special Education Department or on our website.

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By regulation, each school board has a Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), whose mandate it is to provide advice and recommendations on all issues related to Special Education. The list of members and the agencies they represent can be found on our website.

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Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) 

Students enrolled in Ontario secondary schools may have their skills and knowledge outside the classroom evaluated against provincial curriculum policy documents in order to earn credits towards the secondary school diploma. PLAR procedures are carried out by the system and the school under the direction of the school principal.

Students have the option to obtain a variety of credits online through the Virtual Academy.

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Each student’s record (OSR) is kept at the student’s home school and follows the student when that student changes schools. The OSR contains the Ontario Student Transcript (OST) and other notes, assessment, evaluations and records made while the student attends elementary and secondary school. The OSR is available for adult students, parent/guardian of minor students, teaching staff and administration.

If a student withdraws from a Grade 11 or 12 course after 5 instructional days following the issue of the first provincial report card (mid-term), the withdrawal and percentage grade must be recorded on the OST.

Substitution of Compulsory Credits 

In unique circumstances, the principal of a school may replace up to three of the compulsory credit requirements in order to meet an individual student’s need.

English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) 

These programs meet the needs of English language learners (ELLs) whose first language is not English, or is a form of English significantly different from the English taught in Ontario schools. 

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Why Pursue A Specialist High Skills Major?

Through the SHSM, Ontario secondary school students are given more opportunities to earn industry recognized certifications, participate in reach ahead activities and cooperative education to match their individual goals and interests. Students are recognized as having achieved a SHSM in a specific area with a RED seal on their OSSD and a special transcript listing certifications and skills to which they have been exposed.

Go toTVDSB.ca/SHSM to see which schools offer SHSM.

To learn more about these exciting opportunities see your Guidance department.

What is it?

Students can participate in post-secondary courses and/or apprenticeship training, earning dual credits that count towards both their high school diploma and their post-secondary diploma, degree or apprenticeship certification.

Who’s it for?

Students who need learning opportunities outside of high school and who would benefit from a college or apprenticeship experience.

How it helps

Students have the opportunity to:

• Earn high school credits while studying at a local college or taking apprenticeship training
• Gain experience that will help them with their post-secondary education or apprenticeship
• Get a head start on learning and training for their future careers

Day Away Dual Credits allow students to attend college one day a week to earn college credits in addition to high school credits. Each successfully completed college credit also results in the awarding of a high school credit which can be used toward completion of the OSSD. Currently, TVDSB has day away programs at Fanshawe, Lambton and Conestoga colleges.

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The School Within A College program allows students to complete high school by attending school on campus at college. These students also enroll in college dual credits. Each successfully completed college credit also results in the awarding of a high school credit which can be used toward completion of the OSSD. Currently, TVDSB has a SWAC program at Fanshawe College, London, St. Thomas, and Woodstock, as well as Lambton College.

*First Nations, Métis, Inuit SWAC programs also available.

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What is the Ontario Youth ApprenticeshipProgram (OYAP)?

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.

The goals of OYAP are to:

• Provide students with the opportunity to start training in a skilled trade while completing the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma
• Enable students to make the school to work transition by direct entry into apprenticeship training
• Provide employers with the opportunity to train the skilled workers they require
• Provide a viable solution to address the problem of skilled tradespeople shortages in general, and specifically the lack of young people joining the trades

Why Apply? 

Applying for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program could be the first step in beginning a rewarding career in the skilled trades.

• OYAP is both a demanding and smart choice if you wish to jump-start your career. Jobs in the skilled trades pay well and challenge your intellect and creativity.
• Apprenticeships are often the first step in a career path that can lead to supervisory, administrative or management positions, or to a self-employed business career.
• Students who participate in OYAP will be trained in a specific set of skills leading to a registered apprenticeship program and will be able to obtain apprenticeship hours and high school credits at the same time.

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• Cooperative Education is a planned learning experience through which students can earn credits.
• Classroom theory and workplace experiences allow students to apply and refine the knowledge and skills acquired in a related course.
• The classroom component is comprised of preplacement and integration activities.
• The personalized placement component takes place in the workplace where students get hands-on experience exploring an occupation.
• Cooperative Education is appropriate for all students who are heading to university, college, apprenticeship or the workplace. It is offered in all subject areas and course types.

• Job Shadowing — a one-on-one observation of a worker at a place of employment for up to three days
• Job Twinning — a one-on-one observation of a cooperative education student at a place of employment for up to three days
• Work Experience — a planned learning opportunity within a course which allows students a relatively short-term work experience, usually of one or two weeks at a time, for a total of up to four weeks
• Work Internship — combines workplace training with a school-based program to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce. Ask about the Thames Valley District School Board Destinations programs.

The School Within A University program allows students experiencing changes and challenges in life to complete secondary school by attending school on campus at Western University in London, Ontario. These students also enroll tuition free in one first year university course.

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• www.oyap.com 
• www.careersintrades.ca 
• www.earnwhileyoulearn.ca
• www.edu.gov.on.ca

Is college for you? Check out the websites below to learn more about the college pathway.

• www.ontariocolleges.ca
• www.gotocollege.ca 
• www.edu.gov.on.ca

Is community training for you? Check out the websites below to learn more about the community training pathway.

www.tvdsb.ca

> Programs

> Special Education

Is on-the-job training for you? Check out the websites below to learn more about the on-the-job training and employment pathway.

• www.servicecanada.gc.ca
• www.jobfutures.ca
• www.edu.gov.on.ca

Is university for you? Check out the websites below to learn more about the university pathway.

• www.ouac.ca
• www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca
• www.edu.gov.on.ca